Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the plant extract hirtacin in a rabbit model of shigellosis.
Methodology: Cecal-ligated rabbits were inoculated with Shigellaflexneri 2a, and after 24 hours, three groups of rabbits were treated with hirtacin, ciprofloxacin, and placebo respectively for five days.
Results: The plant extract hirtacin and ciprofloxacin significantly reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) level in plasma which serves as a marker of inflammation, while the MPO level was still high in the placebo group after five days of treatment. Also the clinical features of both the drug-treated groups showed complete remission from dysentery, while dysenteric symptoms still persisted in the placebo group after five days.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the plant extract hirtacin has a potent therapeutic activity in shigellosis.